Tokyo Hōdō-ji 🌿

The approach leading to the temple's main gate is lined with towering trees. As soon as you enter the temple, you’ll see everyone lining up to buy omamori (protective amulets) and Maneki-neko (Beckoning Cats). 🌺🌟 There are Maneki-neko in all sorts of sizes for visitors to choose from. 🐱 Walking further in, you’ll find a corner filled with densely packed Maneki-neko. These are offerings from worshippers, and it’s said there are thousands of them, all waving at you. 🌸🍃 It’s incredibly cute to see so many little cats welcoming you! 🌟 After leaving Hōdō-ji, we headed to a nearby shop famous for Maneki-neko-shaped castella cakes. 🌺🌟 Seeing a long line outside, we joined in to see what the fuss was about. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Minato-ku, Setagaya-ku feels incredibly relaxed and cozy. 🍂 🌸🍃 There’s another must-visit spot in Setagaya-ku: the Sangenjaya Gorilla Building. 🌆 This building is an iconic landmark of Sangenjaya. The gorilla was reportedly made in the 1980s using movie props. 🌺🌟 The girl in the gorilla’s hand is modeled after the creator’s daughter. 🐒 #Hōdō-ji #Sangenjaya #Setagaya-ku 🌺🌟